I also had the wonderful experience of a week at a cooking school just south of Orvietto when I graduated from Medical School.  I went back there the next year free of charge for a few days because the owners two very protective German Shepherds bit the ultimate shit out of my my back when I was a guest.  The dogs didn't know better, they were just doing their job.
Anyway, Lot's of experience cooking.  Was brought up in the South where cooking was an art form.  My Maternal Grandmother and my Mother are two of the best cooks you will ever find.  My Grandmother always said she was never a Chef...she just cooked rations.  But what rations they were!
JPMD